BUDAPEST, Hungary – The first four U.S. women’s freestyle wrestlers at the Junior World Championships have weighed in on Wednesday and received their draws for Thursday’s competition.

Three of those who weighed in on Wednesday are members of past FILA Junior World Teams: Amy Whitbeck of the New York AC at 51 kg/112 lbs., Tatiana Padilla of the Sunkist Kids at 59 kg/130 lbs. and Erin Clodgo of the Sunkist Kids at 67 kg/147.5 lbs. 

Padilla was a Junior World silver medalist in 2007 and a Junior World bronze medalist in 2008. In addition, she has won a Senior World bronze medal in 2008 and placed fifth at the Senior World Championships in 2009. She normally competes at 55 kg, but moved up to 59 kg for the Junior World Championships. She is also a member of the U.S. Senior World Team this year.

Padilla will open competing against Izabela Magdelena Strazalka of Poland.

Whitbeck and Clodgo are both No. 2 in the USA on the Senior level, placed second in the Senior World Team Trials. Clodgo was also a U.S. Open champion this year. 

Whitbeck will face Marta Iadeluca of Italy, while Clodgo will battle Chiaki Iijuma of Japan.

Also weighing in was Erin Golston, Lake of the Hills, Ill. (USOEC) at 44 kg / 97 lbs., who has drawn Li Ni (China) in her first bout.

“This is a strong group with experience,” said Assistant National Women’s Coach Izzy Izboinikov. “But experience is not always what you need here. There is much more. It all must come together in one day. I know all the women are capable of great performances. Now it is up to them to do it.”

JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
At Budapest, Hungary

U.S. women’s freestyle first round draws

44 kg / 97 lbs. - Erin Golston, Lake of the Hills, Ill. (USOEC)
Vs. Li Ni (China)

51 kg / 112.25 lbs.- Amy Whitbeck, Duanesburg, N.Y. (New York AC)
Vs. Marta Iadeluca (Italy)

59 kg/130 lbs. - Tatiana Padilla, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
Vs. Izabela Magdelena Strazalka (Poland)

67 kg/147.5 lbs. - Erin Clodgo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
Vs. Chiaki Iijima (Japan)